Two free COVID-19 testing sites to open in Milwaukee on Monday

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MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee’s supply of COVID-19 tests is growing and the city’s mayor wants as many people tested as possible.

“The more we can ramp up the testing the more we believe we can quickly get our life back to normal," said Mayor Tom Barrett.

Two parking lot sites will open Monday, one at 57th and Capitol in Midtown Crossing and at UMOS at 2701 S. Chase Ave.

They’ll run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

No end-date has been set.

“If they want to be tested, it is free. You can drive up, you can walk up. You do not need an appointment," Barrett said.

Exact Sciences, a Madison-based, molecular diagnostics company, is providing the tests.

Wisconsin National Guard soldiers will help at each location.

About 175 troops will be wearing their own, standard personal protection equipment.

“We’re expecting to be able to collect approximately 500 specimens per day at each of those sites," Wisconsin National Guard Capt. Joe Trovato said.

This is also the first time for asymptomatic testing.

People who aren’t showing symptoms can get results.

Frontline workers, and those living in lower-income communities, are urged to get tested as well.

“If you’re out there in the public we want you to have access to this. We want you to come and get tested," Barrett explained.

Results should come back within days, and then the Milwaukee Health Department will contact you.

The health department is doing contact tracing to follow the spread of the virus.

If you’re positive, they’ll want to know who else you’ve been around.

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